The Tunisian Syndicate of Private Pharmacy Owners announced on Friday, October 30, 2026, that it will suspend the third-party payment system for CNAM insured individuals, effective November 1. This decision means that insured individuals will have to pay directly for their medications at pharmacies, pending new arrangements. The syndicate cited the persistent non-respect of contractual commitments by CNAM and the lack of concrete solutions to maintain the service.
The syndicate explained that it had waited until the end of the week in hopes of reaching a settlement, but to no avail. In a statement to the public, the syndicate expressed frustration with CNAM's failure to meet its obligations, leading to difficulties for private pharmacies. The syndicate had previously alerted CNAM and concerned parties on October 19 about the impossibility of continuing the third-party payment system without respect for contractual obligations and payment of due sums.
The syndicate highlighted the increasingly difficult financial situation of private pharmacies, caused by payment delays, tax pressure, and medication supply difficulties. Pharmacists are making growing efforts to ensure the availability of pharmaceutical products in a context marked by persistent shortages. The syndicate also denounced the lack of treatment for several structural problems in the profession, including the non-application of regulatory texts and the lack of initiatives to regulate non-compliant activities and practices.
According to the syndicate, the situation has led to unpaid bills and supply difficulties. The decision to suspend the third-party payment system risks modifying access conditions to medications for CNAM affiliates, who will have to advance fees to pharmacies and then seek reimbursement through applicable procedures. The syndicate expressed regret for the disruptions this situation may cause in access to care.
The syndicate sent a letter to CNAM to coordinate the processing of insured individuals' files and facilitate their access to medications after the suspension of the third-party payment system. Official information on new procedures will be communicated as soon as it is received. The suspension may impact the ability of CNAM affiliates to access necessary medications.
The decision to suspend the third-party payment system comes amid rising medication prices in Tunisia. The syndicate had previously noted a significant increase in prices for nearly 300 medications. The situation highlights the challenges faced by private pharmacies and CNAM in ensuring access to affordable healthcare for Tunisian citizens.
The Tunisian Syndicate of Private Pharmacy Owners is working to find a solution to the crisis, while CNAM has yet to comment on the situation. The suspension of the third-party payment system will take effect on November 1, and insured individuals will need to adapt to the new procedures to access their medications.
Key points
- - The Tunisian Syndicate of Private Pharmacy Owners suspended the third-party payment system with CNAM, effective November 1. - The decision was made due to CNAM's failure to meet its contractual obligations and the lack of concrete solutions to maintain the service. - The suspension may impact access to medications for CNAM affiliates, who will need to pay directly for their medications and seek reimbursement through applicable procedures.
